Bhai Dooj closes the five days of Diwali. On this day sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, perform their aarti and pray for their long life, and brothers bless them and give gifts. In 2026, Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November.
Bhai Dooj 2026 date
Dwitiya tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha begins at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, 10 November and ends at 3:53 PM on Wednesday, 11 November (New Delhi). Because the tilak is done in the morning or early afternoon, most calendars keep Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November; a few list 10 November. Your family panchang will settle it.
The story of Yama and Yamuna
Yama, the god of death, and Yamuna, the river goddess, are the children of Surya, the Sun. Yamuna often invited her brother to visit, but he was always busy. At last, on the Dwitiya after Diwali, he came. Overjoyed, she bathed and welcomed him, put tilak on his forehead, garlanded him and fed him his favourite food. Touched, Yama granted her a boon: every brother who receives tilak from his sister on this day will be free from the fear of an untimely death.
Another story tells that Krishna, returning after killing the demon Narakasura, was welcomed by his sister Subhadra with tilak, flowers and sweets.
How to do Bhai Dooj at home
- The sister prepares a thali with roli, rice, a diya, sweets, a dry coconut (gola) and flowers.
- The brother sits facing north or east, often on a low stool, with a handkerchief or cloth on his head.
- The sister applies the tilak of roli and rice, ties a mauli (red thread) in some families, and offers sweets and the coconut.
- She performs his aarti with the diya and prays for his long life.
- The brother touches her feet if she is older, blesses her if younger, and gives a gift.
- Many families eat the festive meal at the sister’s home, as Yama did at Yamuna’s.
Bhai Dooj across India
In Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka it is Bhau Beej; in Bengal it is Bhai Phota, when sisters apply a phota (mark) of sandalwood with the little finger; in Nepal it is Bhai Tika, the last day of Tihar, with a seven-coloured tika. The previous day, Govardhan Puja, celebrates Krishna lifting the hill.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Dooj in 2026?
Bhai Dooj is on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. Dwitiya begins at 2:00 PM on 10 November and lasts until 3:53 PM on 11 November (New Delhi), so it covers the whole morning and early afternoon of the 11th, when the tilak is done. Some calendars list 10 November; follow your local panchang.
Why is Bhai Dooj also called Yama Dwitiya?
The festival remembers Yama, the god of death, visiting his sister Yamuna on this Dwitiya. She welcomed him with tilak and a feast, and he blessed all brothers who receive tilak from their sisters on this day with a long life, free from fear of untimely death.
What if a brother and sister cannot meet on Bhai Dooj?
Sisters often send a tilak and sweets by post or do the puja before the brother's photo, and brothers send a gift. Some families also go to a river, especially the Yamuna, to bathe together on this day.